Seasoned Caxton journalist publishes second novel

Media manager and journalist at the Caxton North West branch Christelle van Rooyen-Wessels successfully published her second novel, titled Brandmerk, with Penguin Random House SA recently.

Following the success of her first title, Adder, and favourable critique after the release of Brandmerk, the stellar author shared some insight into the writing process and how having a journalistic background enables her to write more realistic content.

“With Adder I had the freedom of just writing away. I did not really expect much interest from a renowned publisher in the manuscript but with Brandmerk it was very much another story,” explained Christelle, who has been a journalist for more than two decades.

“Throughout the process I had been acutely aware of the challenges of it, and to avoid the mistakes an inexperienced writer usually makes.”

Characters from the author’s first novel also made their way into the second, which Christelle admits was not the plan initially.

“I began working on a new manuscript totally independent of Adder, but the Adder characters had other ideas.”

Themes that are incorporated into her writing style include dark issues, such as violence against women and children.

“In my career as a journalist I have often been confronted by horror stories even worse than those that we as fiction writers can imagine. Sadly also, during my early childhood and teenage years, I have experienced situations which I would rather not dwell upon.

“Crime thrillers, both English and Afrikaans, usually focus on the detectives who have to solve the crime. My stories depict the lives of not only victims, and their families but also those who have committed the atrocities. I get to know them personally.

“Even before I start writing, these characters introduce themselves. I experience their trauma and understand their need for acceptance – and for release. This often sees me in tears behind my desk for the horrors that they have to endure and for taking up the roles they have chosen for themselves in my book.”

Christelle also spoke about how being a journalist impacts her writing.

“I think it [journalistic background] helps me to keep the story line realistic. I work closely with the police on real crime almost every day and this gives me insight in situations which not all writers have the “luxury” of.”

She added that she has completed a third manuscript that is currently with publishers and is busy with a fourth.  

ALSO READ: 

Send us your City Times stories

ALSO READ:

When life gives you potholes, make pot plants